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Celebrating Women In Construction Week: March 2-8, 2025 - Marla Cosburn

March 3, 2025

DRE Industries is proud to celebrate Women in Construction Week (March 2-8, 2025) by highlighting the incredible leaders driving the construction industry forward. As a female-owned and operated organization, we take pride in recognizing the trailblazers shaping the future of the industry. We sat down with a few exceptional women whose expertise, leadership, and dedication are paving the way for the next generation:

Join us in celebrating their accomplishments and the unstoppable energy of women in construction.

Marla Cosburn, President of DRE Industries Inc., has built an esteemed career in the construction industry. With a background in marketing and a Certified Technical Representative (CTR) designation, she took over DRE in 1999, continuing the legacy of the company’s commitment to quality and service. Marla has served as the first female president of both the ACI Ontario Chapter and the Sealant and Waterproofing Association, where she continues to contribute as a Board Member. Her passion for excellence and collaboration drives her commitment to guiding projects from design to completion, ensuring lasting performance and success.

Join us for Women in Construction Week as Marla shares her insights and experiences in the industry!

What challenges have you faced as a woman working in construction, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges has been navigating a male-dominated industry. Early in my career, I had to prove myself through hard work, technical expertise, and confidence. I overcame this by seeking mentorship, expanding my knowledge, and embracing growth opportunities. Over time, I built strong relationships and established myself as a trusted professional. Now, I love to mentor and support women entering the industry—helping them build confidence, develop technical skills, and step into leadership roles.

What is your proudest accomplishment in your career so far?

One of my proudest accomplishments is contributing to landmark projects like Union Station, the New Senate of Canada Building, major hospitals and universities, the New Toronto Courthouse, and The Well. I've worked on some of the industry's most challenging and rewarding developments.

I’m particularly proud of our SWA Trillium Award wins, including this year’s recognition for The Well. This complex, multi-year project required collaboration, technical expertise, and persistence. Seeing it completed reinforces my passion for delivering high-performance waterproofing solutions across Canada.

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and what keeps you motivated?

I started my career at a marketing sales agency, working with major consumer goods companies. When the opportunity arose to join my dad at DRE Industries in sales, I was initially skeptical about construction. However, I quickly fell in love with the industry.

The people, fast-paced environment, and problem-solving drew me in. I became fascinated by the technical aspects of waterproofing and how our products protect landmark projects for years. I'm motivated by the industry's evolution, the challenges that drive my growth, and the relationships I've built. Seeing a project come to life and knowing I played a part is incredibly rewarding.

What advice would you give to other women who are considering a career in construction?

Go for it! Construction is exciting, diverse, and full of opportunities. Ask questions, challenge the status quo, and take on new challenges. Find mentors, develop technical expertise, and build confidence. Get involved in industry associations—the relationships you build will support your career. Challenges will come, but persistence and resilience will set you apart. Most importantly, advocate for yourself and other women in the industry.

How do you see the role of women evolving in the construction field over the next 10 years?

When I started over 30 years ago, I was often the only woman in the room. While progress has been made, with more women in leadership, technical roles, and skilled trades, there’s still work to do.

In the next decade, I expect more initiatives supporting women, greater representation in decision-making, and a stronger commitment to inclusivity. Companies are recognizing the value of diverse perspectives, and more women will step into leadership and technical roles, shaping the industry’s future.

As part of our Women in Construction Week series, we’re recognizing the achievements and impact of women making waves in the industry. Let’s continue breaking barriers and building a more inclusive future.

Follow DRE Industries on LinkedIn to see more inspiring stories throughout the week.